29 Ways to Make Money in 2023
In today's fast-paced world, having multiple streams of income has become a necessity. It's a smart financial strategy that can help you save for a rainy day, fund your next vacation, or simply supplement your existing income. Luckily, there are countless ways to earn money online and in person, many of which can easily fit into your schedule. With so many opportunities available, you can create a custom money-making plan that is tailored to your unique needs.
If you're looking for ways to make money in 2023, we've put together a list of some of the best methods. Some of them even have the potential to turn into full-time careers, providing you with even more financial freedom. So, go ahead and explore the many ways to earn extra income and start transforming your financial future today.
1. Arts and Homemade Crafts
One of the best ways to earn money is to cultivate a hobby and turn it into a side gig. Online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and ArtFire offer a great platform to showcase your favorite pastime to a global audience and earn a steady income stream. Who knows, your side hustle could even blossom into a full-time business! It's a fun and rewarding way to make a living doing what you love.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Leverage your hobby or creative talents to establish a profitable business
• Wide audience reach through well-established platforms
Cons
• High competition from other creators and sellers
• Fees and commissions charged by the platforms
2. Streaming
Do you love engaging with people and showcasing your creativity and personality? Streaming on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch might be the perfect opportunity for you. Build an audience by sharing your passions, whether it's gaming, cooking or simply chatting about your day. As your viewership grows, so will your income from ads, sponsorships, and fan donations. This method not only allows you to monetize your interests but can lead to a full-fledged career as a content creator as well.
• Potential earnings: $$$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Showcase your talents, hobbies, gameplay, or interests and build a dedicated community
• Various monetization options to maximize earnings
Cons
• Time-consuming and requires consistent content creation to grow your channel
• High competition, making it difficult to stand out
3. Cashback Sites
Do you make purchases online? If so, you might want to consider using cashback sites like Rakuten, Fetch, and TopCashback to earn money every time you make a purchase. By using these platforms, you can earn cash back on all your purchases, from groceries to travel bookings. Not only will you save money on your favorite products and services, but you'll also uncover new deals and discounts. For even more savings and earnings, try combining this method with receipt scanning and couponing. It's a smart way to make the most of your online shopping habit.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Save money on purchases you’re already making
• Wide variety of retailers and products available for cashback offers
Cons
• Cashback rates may vary and can be relatively low
• Minimum cashout thresholds may apply before receiving your rewards
4. Selling Unused Gift Cards
We all have those gift cards we never got around to using lying around. Why not turn them into cash? Websites such as CardCash and Raise allow you to sell your unused gift cards, helping you declutter and make some extra money at the same time. Plus, if you're already earning gift cards from other methods such as cashback sites and surveys, selling them can further boost your income.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Quick and easy way to monetize unwanted gift cards
• Safe and secure platforms for selling and buying gift cards
Cons
• Gift cards are typically sold at a discount, reducing your potential earnings
• Fees may apply when listing or selling your gift cards
5. Selling Unused Items
If you're looking to unload old or unused items, using sites such as Mercari, Letgo, and OfferUp is the perfect way to do it. By listing your items online, you can reach a wider audience and find people interested in buying your belongings. But don't stop with your own belongings — someone in another state may well pay a premium for the affordable items you wandered past at your local flea market.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Turn unwanted items into cash quickly and easily
• Environmentally friendly option by giving items a second life
Cons
• Time spent creating listings, communicating with potential buyers, and shipping
• May require negotiating prices and meeting buyers in person
6. Rent Out Your Car
If you have a vehicle — or more than one — you aren't using, you can turn it into extra passive income without selling it. Make the most of it by renting it out on platforms such as Getaround and Turo. This option is perfect for those who don't use their car every day and want to earn passive income. Some people even scale their approach by purchasing multiple cars and renting them out.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Make passive income with an underutilized asset
• Set your own rental rates and availability
Cons
• Potential wear and tear on your vehicle
• Insurance and liability concerns when renting your car to others
7. Take Surveys
Providing feedback on the products and services you use can improve them for everyone. And the best part is, you can earn extra money by sharing your opinions through online surveys on platforms like PrizeRebel and Qmee. By participating in surveys, not only do you get rewarded, but you also contribute to the creation of new and better products and services. It's an effortless way to utilize your free time and make a difference in the future of the products you love.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Simple, fast, and accessible way to make extra money or free gift cards, with no setup needed
• No special skills or qualifications are needed
Cons
• Limited earning potential compared to other methods
• Can be time-consuming for relatively low payouts
8. Website and Apps Testing
Trying out new apps and websites is a constant occurrence in our digital world. To guarantee their effectiveness, companies need individuals to test them beforehand to ensure they are free of technical issues. Platforms such as UserTesting, PlaytestCloud, and TryMyUI offer an entertaining and profitable way to make money by testing websites and apps. By aiding businesses in improving their products, you'll not only earn extra cash, but also help create a more enjoyable user experience for everyone. Plus, you'll be one of the first to try out the latest and greatest apps on the market.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Contribute to the improvement of websites and apps
• Flexible work, allowing you to choose testing opportunities that fit your schedule
Cons
• Some testing opportunities require allowing the recording of audio and video when testing
• Some tests may require specific demographics or expertise, limiting their availability
9. Food Delivery
If you're someone who enjoys exploring new opportunities, there's another option to consider: food delivery. Popular platforms like Grubhub, Amazon Flex, DoorDash, and Uber Eats offer a chance to deliver meals to customers in your area. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy driving or biking and want to earn some extra cash in their free time. With this option, you can stay active, discover new restaurants, and bring joy to people's lives by delivering their favorite meals. It's a unique way to explore and make a positive impact in your community.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Flexibility to choose your working hours and delivery area
• Opportunity to explore your city and discover new restaurants
Cons
• Wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as increased maintenance costs
• Earnings may vary based on factors such as location, time of day, and demand for deliveries
10. Receipt Scanning/Couponing
If you're already saving money with cashback sites, why not take it a step further and earn even more by scanning your receipts and using coupons? Apps such as Fetch, Ibotta, and Google Rewards make it easy to turn your everyday shopping into extra income. By combining these methods with cashback sites, you'll maximize your earnings and savings on every purchase. It's a practical and straightforward way to make your money work harder for you.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Save money on everyday purchases and earn rewards
• Easy to use and integrate into your regular shopping routine
Cons
• Earnings may be limited and dependent on shopping habits
• May require time spent searching and organizing coupons or offers
11. Working Freelance Online
For people with professional skills, freelancing online is a fantastic way to augment or even supercharge your income. Freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer provide opportunities to find clients and work on projects from the comfort of your own home, and there are thousands of in-demand skills. This option allows you to set your own schedule and rates, making it an ideal choice for those looking for flexibility and the potential to grow into a full-time career.
• Potential earnings: $$$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 4
Pros
• Flexibility to work on projects which match your skills and interests
• Potential for higher earnings as you build your reputation and client base
Cons
• Competition with other freelancers for projects and clients
• Potential challenges in managing workload, deadlines, and multiple clients simultaneously
12. Affiliate Marketing
Do you have a passion for writing, creating content, or sharing your expertise? Affiliate marketing through blogging or YouTube can be a lucrative way to monetize your knowledge and interests. By promoting products and services related to your niche, you'll earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate links. This method allows you to share your insights with a wider audience, build a following, and potentially turn your passion into a full-time career.
• Potential earnings: $$$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 4
Pros
• Passive income potential as content continues to generate revenue over time
• Opportunity to promote products or services aligning with your interests and values
Cons
• Requires time and effort to create content and build an audience
• Earnings may vary depending on the products, commission rates, and audience engagement
13. Selling Photos
If you have a smartphone with a decent camera, you can turn it into an income stream by selling photos online. Platforms such as Alamy, 500px, SmugMug, and Shutterstock allow you to showcase and sell your photos to a global market. This option is perfect for those who enjoy capturing the beauty of the world and want to turn their hobby into a profitable venture. It's a chance to share your talent with others and earn money doing what you love.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Monetize your photography skills and creativity
• Reach a global audience for your work
Cons
• High competition from other photographers
• Fees and commissions charged by the platforms
14. Services for Animals
If you're a pet lover, platforms such as Rover and Wag! provide opportunities to earn money by offering pet sitting, dog walking, and other animal-related services. This option is perfect for animal lovers looking to make some extra income while spending time with their furry friends. Plus, it's a fantastic way to meet fellow pet owners and build a network of clients in your community.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Turn your love for animals into a profitable side gig or full-time business
• Flexible scheduling options to suit your lifestyle and preferences
Cons
• Responsibilities and potential liabilities related to caring for others’ pets
• May require availability during evenings, weekends, or holidays to accommodate clients’ needs
15. Renting Out Bedroom/Home
If you have a spare room or even an entire house you aren't using, consider renting it out on platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Agoda. This option allows you to make the most of your unused space, meet interesting travelers, and earn extra income. By offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests, you'll not only make money but also create memorable experiences for people from all around the world.
• Potential earnings: $$$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Generate income from unused or underutilized space
• Opportunity to meet interesting people from all over the world
Cons
• Responsibilities and potential liabilities related to hosting guests
• Time and effort required for managing bookings, cleaning, and maintenance
16. Selling Lightly Used Clothing
Thrifting for clothes and selling them for a profit is a great way to make some extra cash. Platforms such as thredUP and Poshmark make this approach simple. This option is perfect for those looking to declutter their wardrobe, make some extra money, and contribute to a more sustainable, circular fashion economy. It's an eco-friendly way to refresh your style while also helping others find great deals on pre-loved clothing.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Declutter your wardrobe while earning extra money
• Support sustainable fashion by giving clothing a second life
Cons
• Time spent creating listings and shipping items to buyers
• Competition from other sellers and potential price negotiations
17. Offering Tutoring
Everyone has a skill they could teach to someone else. With platforms such as Magic Ears, Chegg, and TutorMe, you can monetize your abilities to form a teaching side hustle. These sites allow you to offer tutoring services from the comfort of your own home. This option is perfect for those who enjoy sharing their knowledge and helping others learn and grow. It's a rewarding way to make extra money while making a positive impact on the lives of students.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 4
Pros
• Rewarding opportunity to help students improve their skills and knowledge
• Flexible scheduling options, including remote sessions, to accommodate your availability
Cons
• May require specific qualifications, degrees, or experience in the subject matter
• Earnings may be dependent on demand for your particular subject or expertise
18. Trade in Old Electronics for Cash
Circular fashion is en vogue, but trading old electronics is a dependable way to make a few bucks, regardless of trends. It’s easy to convert your old or unwanted electronics into cash by exchanging them on platforms such as Amazon Trade-In, Decluttr, and ItsWorthMore. This option is perfect for those looking to declutter their space, make some extra money, and help reduce electronic waste. It's an environmentally friendly and financially savvy way to give your old devices a new lease on life.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Can be done quickly in a few steps and via a variety of payment platforms
• Contribute to the recycling and repurposing of electronic devices
Cons
• Trade-in values may be lower than what you originally paid for the device
• Time spent evaluating, packaging, and shipping items to the platforms
19. Ride Sharing
If you love driving and meeting new people, platforms such as Uber and Lyft allow you to turn your car into a source of income by offering rides to passengers in your area. This option is perfect for those looking for a flexible side gig that fits into their schedule. It's an excellent way to make extra money while helping others get around. You may even discover new parts of your city you didn't know existed.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 3
Pros
• Flexible work hours, up to full-time, allowing you to choose when and where you want to drive
• Opportunity to meet new people and explore your city
Cons
• Wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as increased maintenance costs
• Fluctuations in earnings due to factors such as location, time of day, and demand for rides
20. Working Freelance, Offline, and In-person
If you'd rather flex your professional abilities offline, you can put your skills to use and earn extra money by helping people with tasks in their homes or businesses with platforms such as TaskRabbit and Thumbtack. This option is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands and meeting new people while making a meaningful difference in their lives. It's an opportunity to utilize old skills, learn new ones, make connections, and grow your client base.
• Potential earnings: $$$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 4
Pros
• Flexibility to work on tasks that match your skills and schedule
• Potential for higher earnings as you build your reputation and client base
Cons
• Competition with other service providers for clients and tasks
• May require managing multiple clients, doing strenuous work, and working long hours
21. Grocery Delivery
How about delivery and grocery shopping rolled into one? Platforms such as Gopuff, Instacart, Shipt, and Weee! offer opportunities to earn money by delivering groceries to customers in your area. This option is perfect for those who want to make extra income while being of service to others, especially those who may have difficulty shopping for themselves. It's a rewarding and flexible way to make a difference in your community.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Flexible work hours, allowing you to choose when and where you want to shop and deliver
• Opportunity to help others by providing a valuable service
Cons
• Wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as increased maintenance costs
• Earnings may vary based on factors such as location, time of day, and demand for deliveries
22. House Sitting
It’s possible to earn money and enjoy unique accommodation experiences by house-sitting through platforms such as TrustedHousesitters and HouseSitter. These websites connect homeowners with house sitters who take care of their homes, pets, and plants while they’re away, providing peace of mind for the homeowner and an opportunity to explore new locations for the house sitter.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Opportunity to travel and experience new places while house sitting
• Savings on accommodation costs during your stay
Cons
• Responsibility for the care and maintenance of someone else’s property
• House sitting opportunities may be limited or competitive, depending on location and availability
23. Offers/GPT (Get-Paid-To)
If you're interested in earning rewards by completing online tasks, PrizeRebel and Swagbucks are worth checking out. These websites offer a variety of opportunities to earn money, including watching videos, completing offers, browsing the web, and downloading apps. It's a simple and convenient option that can easily fit into your daily routine, making it a great choice for anyone looking to earn extra income without spending a lot of time.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Multiple earning options available on a single platform
• Can be done during spare time or while multitasking
Cons
• Earning potential may be limited, require purchases, or be time-consuming
• May require managing multiple tasks and offers simultaneously
24. Become a Mystery Shopper
If you enjoy shopping and want to make some extra cash, consider taking advantage of mystery shopping opportunities with companies like Sinclair Customer Metrics, BestMark, and IntelliShop. These platforms give you the chance to earn money while providing helpful feedback to businesses. Not only is it a fun way to turn your shopping time into profit time, but you'll also be contributing to better service for others in your community. Give it a try and see how much you can earn!
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 3
• Difficulty: 2
Pros
• Opportunity to earn money while shopping or dining out
• Contribute to improving customer service and overall business quality
Cons
• Assignments may require specific locations or availability
• Earnings may vary based on factors such as location, the number of assignments, and the type of evaluation required
25. Friend Referrals
There are countless opportunities to make some extra cash if you know where to look. Plenty of companies, such as T-Mobile, Xfinity, Casper, and various credit card providers, offer referral bonuses for introducing new customers to their services. This option is perfect for those who enjoy networking and helping others find valuable products and services. It's a simple way to make extra money while sharing the benefits of your favorite brands.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Simple and easy way to earn rewards or cash by sharing products and services you enjoy
• Helps friends and family discover new products, services, or deals
Cons
• Earnings are dependent on the number of successful referrals
• May require continuous effort to refer new people and keep track of referral bonuses
26. Cashing Out Your Credit Card Points/Credit Card Signup Bonus
Start getting the most from your credit card rewards by cashing out your points or taking advantage of signup bonuses. These can provide extra cash or valuable rewards such as travel or merchandise. This option is perfect for those looking to maximize their credit card benefits and make their spending work for them. It's a smart way to get more value from your everyday purchases.
• Potential earnings: $$
• Ease of getting started: 2
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Earn rewards or cash back for your everyday spending
• Signup bonuses can provide a significant initial boost to your earnings
Cons
• Requires responsible credit card usage and timely payments to avoid fees or interest charges
• Earnings may be limited by the card’s reward program or spending categories
27. Get Paid for Web Searching
Who doesn't spend a good amount of time browsing the web? Well, it’s possible to turn your browsing time into income with programs such as Microsoft Rewards, Swagbucks, and iRazoo which allow you to earn rewards simply by using their search engines. This option is perfect for those who want to make some extra money while doing something they already do every day. It's a simple and straightforward way to monetize your time spent online.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Effortless way to earn rewards for something you already do daily
• No specialized skills or qualifications are required
Cons
• Earnings may be limited and accumulate slowly over time
• May require using a specific search engine, completing additional tasks, and collecting your data to maximize earnings
28. Watch Videos
You can also turn your video screen time into money. Sites such as HideoutTV and AdWallet offer rewards for watching and engaging with advertisements and other video content. This option is perfect for those who have some spare time and enjoy discovering new products and services. It's an entertaining way to make extra money while staying informed about the latest trends.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Simple and passive way to earn rewards while watching content
• No setup, specialized skills, or qualifications are required
Cons
• Earnings may be limited and accumulate slowly over time
• Watching sponsored content or ads may be less engaging than preferred video content
29. Apps Advertisement
Do you want to make some extra money with minimal effort? Apps such as S'more and MyRobinHood Earn More Rewards reward users for allowing advertisements to display on a phone's lock screen or for engaging with ads within the app. This option is perfect for those who want to earn some passive income with minimal effort. It's a simple way to monetize your phone usage and make a little extra cash, all while staying up to date with the latest promotions and deals.
• Potential earnings: $
• Ease of getting started: 1
• Difficulty: 1
Pros
• Effortless way to earn rewards regularly
• No specialized skills or qualifications necessary
Cons
• Apps may drain your phone's battery or cause crashing and slow performance
• Ads on the lock screen may be intrusive or not visually appealing to some users
Maximize Your Earning Potential In 2023
There are so many ways to make money in 2023 - it's amazing! With options catering to different interests, skills, and schedules, you can explore these methods and find the ones that suit you best. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, you're sure to find something that suits your skills and interests. It's never too early to start thinking about your financial future, and these 29 ideas are a great place to start. After all, every little bit helps when it comes to achieving your financial goals!
